SUPERVISOR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
5/2/2008
Oregon State University
Environmental Health & Safety
Table of Contents
Accident Reporting & Investigation ............................................................................................................. 3
Asbestos ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Chemical Safety - Hazard Communications................................................................................................ 5
Compressed Gas Safety ................................................................................................................................. 7
Confined Space Program ............................................................................................................................... 8
Electrical Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Elevated Work Surfaces/Fall Protection .................................................................................................... 10
Hand and Power Tool Safety ...................................................................................................................... 11
Hearing Conservation .................................................................................................................................. 12
Ladder Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Lead ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
Lockout of Hazardous Energy (Lockout – Tagout) .................................................................................. 15
Machine Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Personal Protective Equipment .................................................................................................................. 17
Pesticide Use and Safety .............................................................................................................................. 18
Safety and Health Training ......................................................................................................................... 20
Safety Inspections ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Trenching and Excavation .......................................................................................................................... 22
2
Accident Reporting & Investigation
Scope
This section applies when there has been a workplace accident. Accidental Injury or Occupational Illness
Reports are completed for all occupational illnesses and any accidents involving OSU employees, students, and
visitors.
Purpose
Supervisors are to report, evaluate, and when necessary investigate all work-related accidents. The reporting
and investigation of accidents is required by state regulations and is an essential part of the University's accident
prevention program. The goal of an investigation is to identify the factors contributing to the accident and
implement corrective action.
Supervisors Responsibilities
Accident Reporting: Supervisors are to follow directions in completing a Report of Accident/Illness Form:
http://oregonstate.edu/admin/hr/benefits/roa.pdf .
If an employee sought medical attention from a professional (doctor, nurse, urgent care, or other medical
facility) then a SAIF 801 form must be completed within 24 hours of the treatment. If the employee is
unavailable to complete the form, the supervisor is responsible for completing the employer section and as
much as possible of the worker section of the form and submitting it by fax the Office of Human Resources
within 24 hours.
Accident Investigation (when necessary): Supervisors conduct an investigation and complete a Supervisor's
Accident Investigation Report for all injury related accidents.
Accidents resulting in death, serious injury (e.g., fracture, amputation) or in-patient hospitalization are to be
immediately reported to Environmental Health & Safety (7-2273).
Training Requirements
Supervisors are to train new employees to report all accidents during new employee safety orientation.
Recordkeeping Requirements
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Incident Report form
Supervisor's Accident Investigation Report
Safety Orientation Checklist (a copy of this checklist follows the "New Employee Orientation”)
Resources
Contact EH&S (7-2273) for assistance.
Asbestos
Scope
This section applies to employees who do construction, maintenance and custodial work. It also applies to
employees who might disturb or damage possible asbestos containing materials.
Purpose
OSU’s asbestos program is designed to prevent accidental exposures to asbestos and to ensure that asbestos is
handled according to state and federal regulations.
Supervisors Responsibilities
Supervisors need to inform employees of possible asbestos containing materials and hazards that they may
encounter during the course of their job. Possible asbestos materials include pipe insulation, boiler insulation,
duct insulation, floor tiles, linoleum, ceiling tiles, fireproofing, popcorn ceilings, roofing, lab countertops, fume
hoods, sheetrock, mastic, putty, etc. Please contact the asbestos coordinator at EHS (7-7651) to have materials
sampled to determine if they are asbestos.
Supervisors need to ensure that their employees do not disturb, remove or damage possible asbestos containing
materials. Asbestos exposure could occur while moving suspended ceiling tiles, buffing floor tiles, renovating
part of a building. If you are unsure if a material contains asbestos or of proper work procedures, please contact
Environmental Health and Safety.
Training Requirements
All employees who might accidentally disturb scrape or otherwise damage any possible asbestos containing
building material need to have annual asbestos awareness training. Training is conducted through
Environmental Health and Safety. Call EH&S to register or inquire about the next available class.
Employees who engage in asbestos removal or inspection require additional certification and training through
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Asbestos removal workers and inspectors also have
requirements under the Respiratory Protection and Medical Surveillance Programs.
Recordkeeping Requirements
1. Documentation of annual asbestos training.
2. Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
3. Records should be kept for length of employment plus 30 years.
Resources
Safety instruction on Asbestos Program: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si43.html .
Awareness training available through EH&S, 7-2273.
4
Chemical Safety - Hazard Communications
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors with employees using hazardous chemicals in a non-laboratory
workplace. A chemical is considered hazardous if it can cause injury or illness. To determine if a chemical is
hazardous, refer to the label, material safety data sheet or contact Environmental Health & Safety. Employees
working in laboratories should refer to their Laboratory Safety Manual for chemical safety information.
Purpose
To implement a written program to communicate information on how to use chemicals safely.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that chemicals are used safely by implementing and following the OSU Hazard
Communication Program: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/budgets/SAFManual/SAF105.htm. The program
describes at a minimum the supervisor is responsible for:
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Maintaining an inventory of all chemicals in the workplace;
Ensuring that all chemical containers are labeled with a minimum of the product identity and
associated hazards.
Ensuring a material safety data sheet for each chemical is accessible to employees.
Employee training.
Training Requirements
Supervisors should ensure employees using chemicals receive information and training on the following:
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The requirements of the hazard communication standard.
The location of the OSU written program, material safety data sheets and chemical list.
The location of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
How to read and understand chemical container labels and material safety data sheets.
The hazards of chemicals in the workplace including symptoms and effects of overexposure.
How detect hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
The methods (i.e., personal protective equipment, ventilation, etc.) the department has
implemented to control chemical exposures.
Recordkeeping Requirements
The written program, chemical lists and material safety data sheets should be maintained in a location known
and accessible to affected employees.
Employee training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
5
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EH&S provides assistance in inventorying chemicals.
EH&S can provide training.
Call EH&S at 7-2273 to obtain material safety data sheets or go to the following web location:
http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/msds.php .
6
Compressed Gas Safety
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees who use, store, or transport compressed gas cylinders.
Purpose
These requirements are designed to prevent accidental illness, injury or death resulting from hazards associated
with the use and storage of compressed gas cylinders.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure employees safely handle and store compressed gas cylinders. Hazards of compressed
gas cylinders include explosion, release of toxic gases, oxygen deficiency due to oxygen displacement by the
release of non-toxic gases, and physical injuries as the result of a falling cylinder or damage to the cylinder,
causing it to become a dangerous projectile.
The supervisor must ensure the following:
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All compressed gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position by an approved method that
will prevent the cylinder from falls or knock overs
All cylinders need to be clearly labeled to identify the contents
Compressed gases are to be used and stored in areas with adequate ventilation and away from
heat and flames
Valve protection caps are required to be on cylinders that are not in use
Manual transportation of cylinders must be done with a cylinder cart or hand truck, and the
cylinders must be secured during transportation
The cylinders should be inspected often for defects or leakage
Empty cylinders should be segregated and marked "EMPTY" or "MT"
Training Requirements
The supervisor should discuss the hazards, first-aid requirements, and safety precautions of compressed gas
cylinders with personnel who work with the cylinders.
Recordkeeping Requirements
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Applicable MSDS's must be available
All gases used in the cylinders should be included in the work area's chemical inventory
Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
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Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
Safety Instruction – Gas Cylinder Safety: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si22.html .
7
Confined Space Program
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees who may enter confined spaces to perform maintenance and
service activities.
Purpose
To implement the OSU Confined Space Program: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/budgets/SAFManual/SAF209.htm
and to prevent employee exposure to dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency within confined
spaces such as tanks, ducts, sewers, boilers, vats, vessels, vaults, bins, pits, compartments, and pipelines.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
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Ensure that all employees have received annual confined space awareness training.
Ensure that proper entry procedures are followed and that personnel understand and comply with safety
requirements
Report to EH&S the existence of locations in their work space that may be considered a confined space
so they can be evaluated and labeled if required.
ensure that all employees who may enter a confined space have Confined Space Awareness training
Training
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Supervisors ensure that all employees who enter permit required confined spaces have appropriate
training to fulfill the employees assigned role in a confined space entry (entry supervisor, entrant, or
attendant).
Recordkeeping Requirements
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Employee training is documented by recording the training subject, employees' name and the date(s) of
training.
Training Records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
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Awareness training is available through EH&S, 7-2273.
Permit Required Confined Space training can be arranged by EH&S, 7-2273
A list of the Confined Spaces on campus and the entry permit forms can be found at this location:
http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si02.html .
8
Electrical Safety
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work with or around electrical
equipment.
Purpose
The purpose of electrical equipment safety is to prevent injuries and accidents from electrical shock.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that all electrical equipment is maintained in safe condition and has the proper
safeguards and warning signs. Supervisors must also ensure that employees who perform electrical work wear
the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow appropriate safety procedures including LockoutTagout procedures.
Training Requirements
Employees who face higher than normal risks of electrical accidents are to be trained in the following: the
proper safety procedures for the tasks they perform, equipment inspection criteria, and the use of appropriate
PPE (see the "Personal Protective Equipment" section of this manual). Employees who do not work in an
occupation at higher than normal risks for electrical accidents should be made aware of general electrical safety
such as keeping electrical equipment dry and ensuring that electrical cords and plugs are in good repair.
Recordkeeping Requirements
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Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files.
Resources
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
9
Elevated Work Surfaces/Fall Protection
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work in areas where fall hazards
exist.
Purpose
The purpose of fall prevention is to prevent injuries and deaths from falls.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible for implementing the safety instruction for working on Elevated Work Surfaces:
http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si37.html . This consists of guidelines for:
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Working on unprotected surfaces more than 6 feet above a lower level
Ladder use
Portable stepladder use
Portable rung ladder use
Aerial lifts
Supervisors must also ensure proper routine and preventive maintenance is properly performed on all fall
prevention equipment or access equipment. This equipment must also be inspected prior to each use to ensure it
is in proper working order.
Training Requirements
Employees are to be trained in the items included in the fall prevention work plan.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files.
Resources
PowerPoint presentation on ladder safety: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/laddersafe.pps
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
10
Hand and Power Tool Safety
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work with or around hand and power
tools.
Purpose
The purpose of hand and power tool safety is to protect employees' health and to prevent injuries and accidents.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that all tools are maintained in safe condition and have appropriate guarding.
Supervisors must also ensure that employees wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE)*, that tools are
stored safely, manufacturer's instructions are followed, and proper routine and preventive maintenance is
performed.
Training Requirements
Employees are to be trained in the following:
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the proper operating procedures in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
appropriate steps for removing malfunctioning equipment from service
tool inspection criteria
the use of appropriate PPE
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files
Resources
Training materials are available through EH&S (7-2273).
11
Hearing Conservation
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who have employees that are exposed to loud noise on the job.
Purpose
Employees exposed to excessive noise levels (85 dBA for an eight hour average) are to be provided with
training, hearing protection and annual hearing tests.
Annual hearing tests are scheduled through Occupational Medicine Group at Student Health Services. The
employing department is responsible for the cost of the hearing test.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
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Initial hearing test for ALL employees exposed at any time to sound levels >85 dBA
Monitor and ensure the wearing of hearing protection in all posted areas.
Request a noise survey if the employees work area is sufficiently loud that they must raise their voice to
be heard two feet away
Wear and maintain hearing protection in all posted areas.
Check the fit and condition of hearing protection and ensure replacement when necessary.
Ensure workers attend safety meetings/talks on hearing protection.
Ensure workers attend annual audiometric tests.
Notify EH&S if any additional high noise areas are suspected.
Contact EH&S if new procedures are implemented which may affect noise levels.
Training Requirements
Hearing protection training is offered annually through EH&S.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Audiometric program records are maintained in the employee’s personnel file and will be provided to
employees upon request. Records applicable to employee monitoring and exposure records will be retained as
follows:
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Employee audiometric test records (baseline and annual audiogram, retests, test room background
levels, and audiometer calibration records) are maintained for the duration of affected employees
employment plus 30 years.
Noise exposure measurement records are maintained for 30 years.
Program audit records will be maintained for 3 years.
Resources
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Safety Instruction: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si44.html .
Contact EH&S for Assistance 7-2273.
12
Ladder Safety
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees using portable ladders.
Purpose
To ensure the appropriate ladders are available for elevated work and employees are trained on ladder safety.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure ladders appropriate for the work to be performed are available. When selecting a
ladder the supervisor needs to consider the following:
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What type of work is to be
performed?
Is a step or an extension ladder
appropriate?
Are there potential hazards
(electrical lines, poor footing)?
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What is the working height?
What are the potential obstacles
(pipes, furniture, and equipment)?
What is the total weight the ladder
can support?
Ladders greater than 25 feet high require additional safety considerations. Contact EH&S for more information.
Supervisors are to ensure ladders are periodically inspected for obvious defects. Deficient ladders should be
tagged and removed from service and repaired, or destroyed.
Training Requirements
Supervisors are to ensure that employees are instructed to use ladders in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
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Safety Instruction: Ladder Safety: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si37.html
PowerPoint presentation on ladder safety: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/laddersafe.pps
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
13
Lead
Scope
This section affects all employees that do maintenance and construction work on lead containing materials.
Purpose
To implement a lead in the workplace program that is designed to minimize employee lead exposure and to
reduce environmental contamination by lead.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors need to ensure that employees are properly protected when engaging in "trigger tasks" on lead
materials. Trigger tasks are basically any project that might create a lead dust or fume. Trigger tasks include
scraping, demolishing, sanding, grinding, welding, torch cutting, and abrasive blasting on lead containing
materials.
Contact EH&S for monitoring, personal protective equipment, environmental and training requirements.
Training Requirements
EH&S provides awareness level lead training. Employees should have training annually. Please contact EH&S
for training dates.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
Safety Instruction: Lead-Based Paint Removal: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si36.html .
14
Lockout of Hazardous Energy (Lockout – Tagout)
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees who perform equipment/machine maintenance and service
activities such as installation, set-up, adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, un-jamming and repairs.
Purpose
To implement the OSU Energy Control Program to prevent the unexpected energization, start-up or release of
stored energy during the performance of maintenance and service activities. A lockout program is needed when
employees are required to remove or bypass guards or other safety devices or place their bodies into an area on
a machine or equipment where work is performed.
NOTE: Machines and equipment powered by a cord and plug inserted into an electrical outlet receptacle are to
be disconnected from the receptacle during maintenance and service activities. The plug is to be under the
control of the person performing the maintenance or service. Maintenance or service activities under these
conditions do not have to be included in a written program.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
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Identify equipment that has hazardous energy characteristics and provide written instruction on the
lockout/tagout procedures to employees who work on that equipment.
The supervisor of each university unit that uses the lockout/tagout procedures will perform an annual
inspection of the energy control procedure in their unit to ensure that the requirements of OR-OSHA
lockout/tagout rules are being followed. The basic rule mandates that all equipment shall be locked or
tagged to protect against accidental or inadvertent operation when such operation could cause injury to
personnel.
Ensure employees performing, or affected by, a machine/equipment lockout are to be trained in
accordance with the unit's written program.
Training
Training Records are to be maintained in employees personnel file.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Employee training is documented by recording the training subject, employees' name and the date(s) of training.
Resources
Policy on Energy Control: (http://oregonstate.edu/dept/budgets/SAFManual/SAF208.htm )
Safety Instruction on Energy Control Program: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/bulletin/si32.html .
15
Machine Safety
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work with or around hazardous
machinery.
Purpose
The purpose of machine safety is to prevent injuries and accidents.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that all machines are properly guarded and that employees wear the proper personal
protective equipment (PPE). Supervisors will make routine inspections of machine areas to ensure that
employees follow proper safety procedures. Supervisors must also ensure proper routine and preventive
maintenance is properly performed and that the shop area is kept clean and organized.
Training Requirements
Employees are to be trained in the following: the hazards associated with the machine, safeguards, lockout
procedures (for more information see the Lockout of Hazardous Energy section of this manual), and general
safety procedures for each piece of equipment they use. They are also to be trained in the use of appropriate
PPE.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files
Resources
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
16
Personal Protective Equipment
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors.
Purpose
To assure employees are protected from chemical, physical and biological hazards by the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE). PPE is designed and selected to protect the body from absorption, inhalation,
physical contact and extreme temperature hazards.
Personal protective equipment includes, but is not limited to safety glasses, goggles, face shields, hard hats,
gloves, safety-toe boots, safety shoes, respirators and earplugs/muffs.
A Job Hazard Assessment/Analysis (JHA) needs to be made of all job tasks and work areas. The JHA identifies
which areas and tasks require the use of personal protective equipment and the type and quality of the necessary
equipment
Supervisor's Responsibilities
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Know location and become familiar with the JHA Manual:
http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/oshabrd/hazardanalysis.pdf .
Consult with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) (7-2273) or another qualified person to assess
hazards in areas where their employees work that are not in the current JHA manual. EH&S should also
be contacted whenever new equipment, processes or chemicals are introduced or an injury or illness
indicates the need for PPE.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that workers, students, and visitors wear the protective
equipment as specified in the JHA Manual.
Supervisors are responsible for training their employees so they are able to identify situations that
require the use of personal protective equipment and know how to properly use, care for and maintain
the equipment.
Supervisors are to ensure employees are provided with, and wear, PPE.
Training
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Supervisors ensure employees are trained in the proper use of PPE. Employees are to receive
information and training about why and when PPE is needed; how to put on, remove and adjust PPE; the
use and limits of PPE, and how to care for and inspect PPE.
Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
 EH&S (7-2273) conducts noise and respiratory protection training.
 JHA Checklist: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/oshabrd/ppetasks.pdf .
 New JHA form to be completed by EH&S: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ehs/oshabrd/blankjha.doc .
17
Pesticide Use and Safety
Scope
This section applies to handlers and applicators of pesticides and those who maintain pesticide equipment, work
in pesticide treated areas or at a facility that uses pesticides. It addresses the handling, application, shipping and
receiving, transporting and disposal of pesticide materials.
Purpose
The purpose of pesticide safety is to protect users and workers from undesirable exposures to pesticides, and to
protect the environment from unwanted releases due to improper storage, spills, transportation accidents, misuse
and improper disposal of pesticides.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
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Supervisors must inform employees of the hazards associated with pesticides and their use and post the
required safety and emergency information for employees.
They must provide the required personal protective equipment to protect from these hazards and train
the employee on its proper use to include measures to prevent heat related illnesses (see the "Heat/Cold
Stress" section in this manual).
The supervisor must also provide the required decontamination equipment and supplies such as handwashing facilities, emergency eyewash and showers and personal emergency eyewashes.
In the event of a pesticide exposure, the supervisor must immediately notify OSU Environmental Health
and Safety.
The supervisor is to insure proper handling and application according to requirements of the pesticide
label. This includes proper posting and recordkeeping of the application; enforcement of the restricted
entry interval; application by an appropriately licensed applicator; training of employees; proper storage
of pesticides with an accurate inventory and maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets; proper
disposal and safe transportation of pesticides.
Training Requirements
Applicators of restricted-use pesticides must be certified or have a licensed applicator within sight and hearing
distance directly supervising the application. Where pesticides are used in agricultural operations, employees
must have Worker Protection Standard training prior to handling pesticides or working in treated areas. The
training must be refreshed every five years. All employees working where pesticides are used are to be trained
in Hazard Communications. Those shipping, receiving, or transporting pesticides must be trained in the
pesticide hazards, emergency procedures, labeling, shipping papers, and safe transportation procedures. Those
employees requiring the use of respiratory protection through label requirements must be trained and fit-tested.
Recordkeeping
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Inventory of stored pesticides at least once each year with purchase records kept for the
inventory period
Pesticide application records kept until 7 years after application
Training received
18
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Experimental-use permit research: summary of results and effects on the environment kept for
three years
Annual respirator fit test results
Waste disposal manifest, waste test results and annual reports for five years
Resources
For assistance contact EH&S 7-2273
19
Safety and Health Training
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors.
Purpose
To ensure employees receive the necessary training to perform their duties in a safe and healthy manner.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
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Supervisors are to provide or coordinate employees initial safety and health training as well as needed
refresher training.
The training that supervisors typically provide will be informal instruction given as part of overall
training on procedures, tools, and equipment. This training involves discussing with employees how to
perform their tasks, and associated hazards, and the precautions necessary to protect them from those
hazards.
In addition to providing informal instruction, supervisors are to coordinate required training provided by
other departments.
Training Requirements
The following is a partial list of training that may be needed, depending on the employees' specific job duties:
1. Safety Orientation
2. Electrical Safety
3. Chemical Safety – Hazard Communication
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
5. Hearing Protection
6. Machine Safety
7. Respiratory Protection
8. Asbestos/Lead Awareness
9. Back Injury Prevention/Ergonomics
10. Ladder Safety
11. Lockout/Tagout Fall Protection
12. Trenching and Excavation
13. Confined Space Program
14. Pesticide Safety
15. Compressed Gas Safety
16. Hand and Power Tool Safety
17. Elevated Work Surface/Fall Protection
20
Safety Inspections
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors.
Purpose
To identify and control hazardous conditions and practices that are likely to result in injury or illness.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Daily Inspections
Supervisors are to train employees to perform pre-operation inspections of tools and equipment. The brief,
visual inspection is to be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to determine if there
are any obvious defects. Employees are to be trained to notify their supervisor of any observed defects.
Supervisors are to remove all defective tools and equipment from service and coordinate repairs/replacement.
Annual Inspections
At least annually, supervisors are to coordinate a comprehensive safety and health inspection of all processes,
tools, equipment and facilities under their responsibility.
Training Requirements
Employees should be trained to inspect tools and equipment before use and notify their supervisor of any
defects.
Recordkeeping Requirements
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Training should be documented
Safety Self-Inspection Checklist
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Safety Self-Inspection Checklist: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/forms/SelfInspectionForm.doc .
Resources
21
Trenching and Excavation
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees that work in trenches 4 feet in depth or greater.
Purpose
To protect employees from hazards associated with working in and around trenches. Potential hazards include
cave-ins, above ground and underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, traffic, water accumulation and
falling objects.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
The supervisor is to ensure a "competent" person is at the excavation site at all times. A competent person is
knowledgeable in the applicable regulations, can identity existing and predictable hazards and has the authority
to take prompt measures to control hazards.
Training Requirements
The competent person should be trained on the applicable regulations and to recognize hazards. Employees
working in trenches are to be trained in trench safety. Training topics include protective systems, excavated soil
storage, and protection of utilities.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training should be documented.
Resources
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-3373
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